COVINGTON, LA — Allpax, powered by ProMach, introduced today the Allpax basket tracking system for non-automated retort rooms. Allpax Basket Tracking is a barcode-based system for tracing cans, jars, trays, and pouches by basket through each critical checkpoint in the retort room and tagging those packages to verified processing by an individual retort. This new system is designed to improve security within the retort room and to lower the risk of product retort bypass. Allpax Basket Tracking can be integrated into every non-automated retort operation.
Previously, Allpax introduced a similar system for automated Allpax retort rooms. Customers and those with other brands of retorts contacted Allpax about the availability of a similar system for non-automated retort rooms where baskets are moved manually. Inquiring companies desired to better ensure that every can, jar, tray, and pouch they produced was verified to be properly sterilized and that an electronic record documented that fact.
Each basket is tagged with a human readable number and a machine readable number, both in laser-etched stainless steel. Scanning positively identifies each basket as it moves between loading, retorting, and unloading zones of the retort room. Positive identification is cross checked by the software-based tracking system.
Non-conforming actions are alarmed and require authorized operator resolution to clear the alarm. For example, the system will alarm if a basket fails to enter a retort or enters the wrong retort. Each basket scan triggers the tracking system to transfer a basket’s identity from one logical set of basket positions – zones – to the next (See Figure 1). Basket checkpoints are located at each loader, retort, and unloader system in the retort room. For an extra level of security, companies can opt to have employees wear a tag which is also scanned and links the employee to the basket.
Figure 1: Screen shot showing the status of baskets at three zones in the retort room: processed zone (left), retorts (center), and unprocessed zone (right).
Figure 2: Shows the basket legend as displayed on the Allpax Basket Tracking HMI
“The Allpax Basket Tracking system is a marriage of hardware and software optimized for tracing and tracking packaging through the sterilization process,” said Greg Jacob, Vice President and General Manager, Allpax. “Allpax accounted for the realities of the retort room in terms of productivity and built a fast and easy to use system that will have zero impact on throughput. This is the type of safety and security development the entire Allpax team is proud to have created.”
For more information on Allpax Basket Tracking from Allpax for non-automated retort rooms, call 1-888-893-9277 and ask for Greg Jacob. For information on other Allpax lab retort, retort, and retort room automation solutions visit www.Allpax.com.
About ProMach
ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging and processing solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire production line: processing, filling, bottling and capping, decorative labeling, flexibles and trays, pharma, handling and sterilizing, labeling and coding, and robotics and end of line. ProMach also provides systems and integration including turnkey solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize production line design and deliver maximum uptime.
ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging and processing solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about ProMach, visit www.ProMachBuilt.com and for more information on ProMach Careers, visit www.ProMachCareers.com.